This program takes a long term view to build capacity and leadership within the Ontario sport system.  Through employment and development of new full-time coaching positions, the CAO hopes to increase the performance of Ontario athletes, grow programs with the inspired leadership of dedicated full-time coaches.  Coaches in a full-time, multi-year employment contract are able to mentor and provide program guidance to a team of coaches and peformance enhancement specialists and support athletes over a longer development cycle.

The Coach Wage Subsidy provides up to $60,000 of funds over 3 years for a new full-time coach. The Employer will contribute additional funds over the 3 years to maintain a full-time salary and provide benefits. By the fourth year, the hope is that the employer organization finds itself in a position to continue and sustain the full-time salaried position through other program revenue by demonstrating the value of having in place a full-time dedicated coach.  

The primary work location of the coach must be in Ontario and the primary duties assigned must be coaching (in direct contact) with Ontario athletes.  Eligible PSOs may apply directly as the employer.  As well, clubs, Universities, Colleges, or Regional Centres of Excellence may also apply as the employer but must have the support and endorsement of their PSO and be an eligible sport.  

The amount of the CAO portion of the subsidy in Year 1 is $25,000, in Year 2 is $20,000 and in year 3 is $15,000.  The annual coach salary can be greater, but not less than $40,000 per year and a 3 year commitment/contract between the hired coach and the employer is required. 

The CAO is not  accepting new applications at this time.   To review Guidelines, click here.  To download the Application, click here and for the budget template, click here.   

Current Recipients of the Q4G Coach Wage Subsidy include:

Ontario Cross-Country Skiing  (Wasaga Beach)-  Coach:  Kateri Mills  (Completed Year 3)

Cycling Ontario (Toronto) - Coach: Denise Kelley (Completed Year 3)

Ontario Association of Triathletes (Guelph) - Coach: Craig Taylor  (Completed Year 3)

Ottawa River Runners & Canoe/Kayak Canada (Ottawa) - Coach:  James Cartwright (in Year 3)

Ontario Sailing Association - Coach: Amy Goman (Agreement ended after Year 1)

Queen's University & Volleyball Ontario (Kingston) - Coach: Joely Christian (in Year 2)

Ryerson University & Volleyball Ontario (Toronto) - Coach: Dustin Reid (in Year 2)

Granite Club & Synchronized Swimming Ontario (North York) - Coach:  Ying Li Hou (in Year 2)

Forest City Diving Club  & Dive Ontario (London)- Coach:  Luda Zakharenko (in Year 2)

Freestyle Skiing Ontario (Collingwood) - Coach: Toben Sutherland (in Year 2)

Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club (Thunder Bay) - Coach:  Adam Kates  (in Year 2)

York Mavericks & Water Polo Ontario (North York) - Coach:  Nishant Damani (in Year 1)

Algoma University & Basketball Ontario (Sault Ste Marie)  Coach:  Thomas Cory (in Year 1)

Full Circle Judo Club & Judo Ontario (Burlington) Coach:  Ron Angus  ( Year 1)

Leander Rowing Club & Row Ontario (Hamilton)  Coach:  Chantelle Hanley  (for Year 1)

Golf Association of Ontario ( Oakville) Coach:  Jon Roy ( Year 1)

Mississauga Canoe Club & Ontario Canoe Sprint Racing Affiliation (Mississauga)  Coach:  Derek Schrotter  (for Year 1)

Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association - Basketball (Toronto) Coach:  Michael Broughton  (for Year 1)